•Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk.

•Keep electrics (leads and appliances) away from water.

•Check toasters are clean and placed away from curtains and kitchen rolls.

•Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order. A build-up of fat and grease can ignite a fire.

The best way to stay safe in the home is to fit and regularly test smoke alarms. If you would like to arrange for a FREE home safety visit, during which smoke alarms will be fitted FREE of charge, then call us on 0300 303 0088 or visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book